POWER OVER THE SEA (MK 4:35-41)
Prayer:
O Jesus, calm the storms in my life.
Imagination:
Picture the fearful disciples and Jesus calming the sea.
Context:
Mark begins a series of 5 stories showing Jesus’ power. The focus is on the disciples waking Jesus up to perform the miracle and their awe at his power when he does so.
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
When evening came, Jesus said, “Let us go to the other side. Jesus dispersed the crowd and they took him in their boat. There were also other boats. A windy storm blew up and the waves beat against the boat which filled up with water.
Jesus was in the rear part, asleep on a pillow. They woke him up and said, “Master, are you not concerned that we could die?” Getting up, he rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace, be still.” The wind ceased and the sea became calm.
Jesus said to them. Why are you fearful? Are you lacking in faith? They were very much afraid and said to one another, “Who is he whom even the wind and the sea obey?”
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)
- There were many boats but Jesus travels with his disciples. He wants them to be the primary witnesses of his power.
- The wind and the unruly sea are symbols of demonic chaos which destroys our lives as disciples.
- The disciples have some faith. They wake Jesus up, believing he can save them.
- If they had more faith, they would have left him sleeping.
- Jesus rebukes the wind and the sea, just as he rebuked Satan who possessed people.
- The apostles understand that only God can tame the wind and sea. If so, “Who is this Jesus?”
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- O Jesus, travel in my boat. You are always welcome.
- Chaos and evil surround me. You are my only safeguard.
- Lord, when I awaken you, you always help me.
- Give me greater faith. I will let you sleep during my storms.
- Waking or sleeping, you always guard me.
- You are Lord. You are God. You are Saviour. You are Redeemer. You are all in all.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will never begin a task without Jesus in my boat.
+ I will always believe that his power can do all things.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)
Even the wind and the sea obey him.